CHAPTER XII.-THE VICARESS.

window of the drawing-room, and came through girlish philosophy, or roaming at large over her the sheltered garden-path to where the girls held general discursive field of imagination and their sitting; and Zaidee, looking up, condemned thought. What Sermo's mind was busy with did herself as irreverent, for thinking that no better not appear; but as he, too, had been present on representative of the wished-for fairy godmother the previous evening, and heard aunt Vivian's could be found, than in this small, delicate, viva- recollections, there was at least a possibility in cious personage, advancing towards them. Mrs. his favor that he pondered those family stories Vivian wore a large apron with pockets over her too. However that might be, the pair of friends thick dim-black silk gown, and had a shadowy went on in friendly harmony, respecting each shawl, white, soft, and lace-like, a sort of cloud other's silence, and not interrupting each other's embodied in fine Shetland wool and delicate thoughts. knitting, over her cap, for Mrs. Vivian was full of prudent cares on the score of taking cold. Mrs. Vivian's full and ample skirts were not so long as to hinder you from defining clearly the The vicarage stands beside the church in the black velvet slipper, soft-paced, yet with a very single street of Briarford. Briarford is by no creditable thickness of under-leather, and a most means a model village; sundry barns turn their distinct and unmistakable high heel, which kept long blank sides to its causeway, walls of old Mrs. Vivian's foot in warmth and comfort, and solid mason-work, supplemented with brick patchadded an inch to Mrs. Vivian's stature. The es; and in sight of the Vicar's drawing-room itsoft, white, floating drapery and fringes of the self is a gray gable, with a wisp of straw projectshawl fluttered over her shoulders, and a hand-ed from the round eye-let hole, high in its wall, somer little old lady than the mistress of the Grange, never buckled neat belt round trim and slender waist- so light of foot and alert of motion, the prettiest fairy godmother that ever oppressed maiden was fortunate enough to see. "Dear me, girls, when will you learn to be prudent?" said Mrs. Vivian; not a branch but drips with this wintry dew, and you linger here as if it was summer. I shall have you both laid up with cold before Philip's birthday."

and hay littered on the pavement below. The vicarage, too, stands close upon the street, with only the smallest strip of garden, almost filled with a trim holly hedge, separating it from the common thoroughfare, though in itself it is almost picturesque in its antique homeliness, and dates farther back than the very church. It is a one-sided house, looking askance upon the vil lage, and turning the respectful aspect of its full front towards the ecclesiastical establishment of The idea made Sophy pale. "I don't believe Briarford-the low venerable square-towered there's a single dewy branch in the garden, mam-church which stands high upon a grassy mound ma, but that one that has brushed against your of graves. Rich old velvety far-descended grass, shawl," said Sophy; and we were just coming in." full of little nests of daisies, and minute hollows "I want some one to carry a message to the which the sun searches into with such a wealth vicarage. "Will you go, Zaidee?" said Mrs. and warmth of glow, covers the sloping bank be Vivian; for every one is busy, and I have some-fore the side windows of the vicarage; but the thing ready for Sophy, which must be done im- Vicaress, for the sake of the "stir" without-to mediately. Mrs. Wyburgh will like to see you-call these languid rural echoes stir!-and the Zaidee, will you go?"

"I may take Sermo, aunt Vivian?" asked Zaidee, eagerly. The little lady nodded, and Sermo, though he, good fellow, had no bonnet to put on, stalked after the flying footsteps of his companion through hall and staircase and wind- | ing passage, to the very inner recess of Zaidee's room. A few minutes more and they emerged, walking together as near hand and hand as their different modes of locomotion would allow Sermo's long shaggy ear held lightly in Zaidee's fingers-with great gravity and thoughtfulness, occasionally, but very seldom, indulging in the ordinary exchanges of conversation-for the most part in friendly silence pursuing their own thoughts.

greatest cheerfulness, prefers to sit in the little parlor facing the front in the long afternoons when the Vicar is from home.

This parlor is a cozy little parlor, full of soft seats, and easy footstools, and a homely luxury— nothing that misbecomes in the smallest degree the modest and suitable gravity of the country clergyman, who is neither wealthy nor of great expectations, but a plenitude and abundance of simple comforts adapted to the age and to the habits of the simple couple who have attained to their own utmost range of ambition, and look for nothing higher in this life. Mrs. Wyburgh, round and soft, with rosy fingers which it is pleasant to touch, and a cheek that has not lost its bloom, sits in a very comfortable chair, with everything Just descending the hill where the breeze was she is likely to want on a table within reach of sharpest, and where the trees did actually flirt a her hand, near enough the fire to enjoy its kindly drop or two of pendant moisture upon Sermo's warmth, and near enough the window to have averted head, and against the cheek of Zaidee, the full benefit of what passes without. Mrs. there was a decided chill of winter in the air; but Wyburgh has some knitting in her hands-pleathe low-lying paths under the hill were warm in sant work which is in no hurry; and there is a the sunshine,-dry and sandy, and glittering with book on the little table; a good many books range minute crystals, as sandy paths do glitter in the modestly within the glass-cases there in the resun. Zaidce, who neither looked before nor be-cess on either side of the fire; and it is imposhind, went on steadily, full of thought, wondering about that old Squire, wistfully thinking of the father and mother gone, turning over her own

sible to look upon a picture of kindly ease and comfort more pleasant or more lovable than the afternoon composure of the Vicaress.

Few people admire Mrs. Wyburgh's taste in dress. Strange odd green and drabs, neither dark nor light, but checking and striping one another in old large patterns which always look faded, are Mrs. Wyburgh's delight. Her great dinner-dress even, that silk brocade, which the maid-servants at the vicarage hold in awe, and everybody in the parish knows so well, has its groups of dim green flowers upon a drab ground. These half colors are very unsuitable to Mrs. Wyburgh; but as she sits there-her blue eyes twinkling with a little fun and a great deal of good humor, her cheek with its soft pleasant bloom, her irresistible comfort-it becomes impossible to find fault even with her dress.

Come to? I cannot tell what you mean," said Zaidee with wonder

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Blessings on them that have kept you so ig norant!" said the Vicaress fervently. But this world's a hard world, Zaidee. Many a one sleeps soft and wakes light in their young days, that have a hard fight before their end. If I was you, honey, as young, and plenty of time, I'd learn every pretty thing I could turn my hand to -that's what I'd do."

"But why, Mrs Wyburgh? Oh, if you would tell me why," said Zaidee eagerly, the color brightening upon her face.

"Dear heart, not a one knows-there's nothing but change," said Mrs. Wyburgh, evasively. And thus it is that Zaidee finds the Vicaress Ay, darlin', sure but I've seen many a pretty of Briarford; only, by the time of Zaidee's arriv-young lady that had good need of all the skill in al. Mrs. Wyburgh has begun to sip the fragrant her ten fingers. I never had that learning mycup of coffee with which she relieves her solitary self-not a thing could I do but plain shirts and afternoon; for these good people, who are such like, or a gown for myself; but if I had life guiltless of pretension, keep to the early hours of to begin again, I'd learn all I could learn.Zaidee— their poverty, and dine at two o'clock. It is only everything--playing music, and making pictures, three now, and there has been no dinner yet at and all those beautiful flowers that your cousin the Grange; but Zaidee is by no means reluctant paints so natural, and a pretty hand of writeto partake of Mrs. Wyburgh's refreshment, nor everything, dear-that's what I'd do if I was of the cake which stands in a delicate china plate, young like you." close by Mrs. Wyburgh's hand.

The color went and came upon Zaidee's face; Very pretty, very thin, and transparent, is her eyes grew troubled, wistful, and a tear came the little cup and saucer, and the coffee is neither to their long lashes. "Mrs. Wyburgh," said café noir nor café au lait, but aboriginal coffee. Zaidee anxiously, “do you know anything that's sweetened, softened, and mollified with a spoon-going to happen?-anything aunt Vivian does ful of rich Cheshire cream. The cake too is un-not know ?"

exceptionable; and neither Zaidee nor Sermo, I?-no, honey, not I," cried the Vicaress. exalted as are the ideas of the one, and irre-"Do you think I'd tease yon, and you so young? proachable the gravity of the other, are above Mrs. Wyburgh's cake.

When this agreeable little episode is over, Mrs. Wyburgh rises and goes up-stairs to seek a pretty dressing-gown, made for her by the young ladies of the Grange. There is some work upon it which Margaret wants to copy for Elizabeth, and this is Zaidee's errand. Coming down with it immediately, the Vicaress seats herself to wrap it up, in her easy leisurely way. "It is a very pretty pattern," Mrs. Wyburgh says, "and so kind of the young ladies to do it for her."

But I'm old, Zaidee dear; I've come and gone in my day into the world, as far as London and Dublin, not to say Swansea; and, darlin', I've learned experience. It's only a word of advice I'm giving you. No, indeed, sure nothing's going to happen but good and happiness to you and yours. But such a great girl you're growingand clever, please heaven; and all sorts of learning about the house. I'd learn, Zaidee—I'd learn to do everything, if I was you."

Zaidee said nothing, but only drew Sermo's long ears through her fingers with a haste and "But you do n't work much at the like of this, unconscious earnestness which Sermo did not Zaidee dear," said the kindly Vicaress. quite approve. The Vicaress was disturbed,"No," said Zaidee Zaidee's wits were wan-she had not intended her good-natured words to dering after something else, so she gave the briefest answer to the question.

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"But I would, darlin', if I was you," said Mrs. Wyburgh. Words of endearment fell softly and so simply from this good woman's lips -she said "honey" even sometimes, and the word, with its faintest cadence of brogue and its mellow kindness, was fragrant and sweet in her mouth.

have so much effect.

"It's not angry you are, darlin', with an old friend?" said kind Mrs. Wyburgh.

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Angry with you!" Zaidee sprang up with one of her sudden bounds. "I am glad you have told me, Mrs. Wyburgh. I ought to begin, I know. If anything should happen at home, I would be of no use at all to any one; but then I don't think anything will happen. Aunt Vivian "Would you, Mrs. Wyburgh ?-but everybody says my uncle looked through every corner, and can do it at home," said Zaidee, blushing secret-there was no such thing to be found; but, for all ly at the thought of those impossible triumphs of needlework which she herself tried to achieve, but could not. "And why would you, if you were I ?"

that, I will think of what you say-I will indeed and I know you are very kind. Good-by, Mrs. Wyburgh-aunt Vivian will look for me home.” Good-by, Zaidee dear; but I don't know, "I'd be young, then, my dear," said the kind any more than the babe unborn, what the child Vicaress, with a momentary evasion. "Ay, dar-means about looking in every corner," said the Vicaress, as Zaidee hastened away. innocence! she never thinks what might happen

lin', more than that-never a one knows, Zaidee, what they may come to."

"Oh the

to herself if the young Squire married,-as he long ribbons streaming from the waist. Her will, please Providence, and all these sisters on faint complexion had a tinge of blue in it, her the old lady's hands-bless them all! It's little fair ringlets drooped sadly over her shrinking like the Lord's common ways if He forgets how shoulders, and her muslin drapery hung about they're leant to him many a day, and blessed this her tall timid person in thin and chilly folds. orphan and succored them that were nigh to The blind was half-way down, the curtains hung death. But I'm glad I said it, if the child will half across the little window, and sadly against but take thought to what I say." the lower panes tapped the straggling stalks of Take thought of what Mrs. Wyburgh said, mignonette, with their great seed-pods and Zaidee certainly did-puzzled, earnest, intent meagre tips of flowers Poor Curate, if he came thought; of which, however, little practical re-home for comfort from a round of wearisome sult came, except sundry other glorious imprac-visitings! Poor Angelina, who had no comfort ticable designs in the shape of needlework, and to give! Even the abstract and preoccupied fruitless floating resolves to learn a hundred ac-Zaidee acknowledged a shiver,-though she did complishments before the winter was over. But not quite know whence it came. Zaidee had another visit to make before she left Briarford; she could not pass the very threshold of her romantic and confidential friend.

CHAPTER XIII-ANGELINA.

"I have not seen a creature all day, though Mr. Green said perhaps some one would call," said the Curate's wife; "and I got ready so early, because you know Mr. Green likes me to be polite to the parishioners; but, indeed, Zaidee, I am very glad it is you."

Zaidee looked round disconsolately. There was something wanting here, very sorely wanting, but she could not make out what it was.

"Isn't this a dark room?" said wistful Zaidee. It is quite a bright day out of doors; but it looks so dim here."

'But there are no leaves in the wood now," said Zaidee, shivering a little; "for winter is coming on. I am sure to-day is very cold."

Still bluer looked Angelina in her clinging muslin; but Angelina would not confess to so commonplace an ill.

A very different scene, and a very different person, awaited the young visitor in her next call. The Curate's little house was a new house, with some pretensions to be a cottage-a very small red brick erection, with porch and outer shutters painted green, and two little bits of turf and flower-plot on either side of the three feet of "Do you think so?" Mrs. Green vaguely gravel path which led from the small green feels the discomfort too. "For myself, I love wicket to the narrow door. Little new-planted that half light-that is why I have green curtains; rose-trees, looking very raw and recent-small and you could fancy, you know, Zaidee, that the spots of crude shrubbery-morsels of unac-light came down through the leaves in a wood." customed flowers-the very turf itself lately laid down, and by no means taking kindly to its prim square-made anything but a pleasant contrast to those old prickly holly hedges, those immemorial yews at the vicarage, and the close velvet of its sunny lawn, which has scarcely been touched except by the mower for fifty years. "I had forgot all about heat and cold when Mrs. Green had boxes of straggling seedy mig-you came, Zaidee," said Mrs. Green. “Oh, it is nonette on her window-sills, and other little de- so delightful in this obscure place to lose one'svices natural to a town-bred taste, which here, self in literature. I am sure you think so as well where she might have any extent of garden, but as me." could by no means increase the natural propor But Zaidee, who was extremely simple and tions of her casements, were not the pleasant downright in spite of her romance, could not get things they might have been. The door opened up a rapture on the moment, and, besides, was into a very strait passage, and the passage led to a still very much occupied with what Mrs. Wyburgh little parlor very much dissimilar to Mrs. Wy-had said. burgh's. Very conspicuous here the differing "I am sure I cannot tell just now," said tastes of the two persons who had so strangely Zaidee; "I was thinking of something else. Do attempted to make themselves one, as John you ever do any work when you sit here all day Green and Angelina his wife. The homely sub-alone?"

stantial pieces of furniture the bachelor Čurate A sudden blush colored the faintly tinted had accumulated, were overlaid and encumbered cheeks of Zaidec's sentimental friend. She drew with the nick-nacks of his bride; and very un-herself up a little, and looked somewhat offended. comfortable and awkward-as much so as the Zaidee, who meant no evil, could by no means Curate himself, when Angelina was in her height discover why. of sentiment-appeared the good Curate's chairs and tables in their unsuitable embellishments. That little brassy shining grate full of cut paper and elaborate pink roses-if one only dared to make the ornaments useful for once in their life, and might light the fire with them!-a fire was so much wanted at once for the physical and moral atmosphere of this poor, little, gay, unsuitable room.

The Curate's wife sat upon her small sofa with a book in her hand. Poor Angelina! she looked very chill and out of ease in a muslin gown, with

Perhaps I don't cultivate my fingers so much as many ladies I know," said Angelina with dignity," but I always find so much to occupy me in my mind.”

"Yes," said Zaidee thoughtfully, pursuing the current of her own meditations: "and then you will always have Mr. Green to take care of you. But I wonder what use I could be, always reading, reading, if anything should happen. I wish I was clever at working! I wish I could do something! But you used to be at school-will you tell me what they taught there?"

They taught a great many foolish things," | dee, or masters to teach you, as we had at said Mrs. Green; "embroidery and needle-work, school," said Mrs. Green. Indeed, I am sure and I can't tell what besides, when it might have they have always neglected you at the Grange." been so much better to give the young ladies a "What do you say?" Zaidee opened her astaste for literature, and learn them to find re- tonished her eyes. You are very wrong if you sources in themselves." think so." continued Zaidee, drawing herself up "Resources-ah, that is just what I want," in her turn, "and every one else in Briarford said Zaidee with a sudden animation. Suppose knows better. That is not what I mean. I was anything should happen-and Mrs. Wyburgh always afraid of masters and governesses; and says no one can tell-oh, what could I do? II am stupid too, I suppose, and so I don't know don't believe I should be of any use at all-not anything, though I am grown up and fourteen the least in the world; but I wish you would years old. I think I will begin to work this tell me I think you must know. People who very day." are not clever are obliged to work sometimes. Now what can they do?"

I don't understand you, I am sure," said Mrs. Green; and certainly it was not quite easy to understand Zaidee. "Servants are not very clever generally, nor common laboring people I am sure the woman I have here-she's enough to break any one's heart!"

"But I could not be a servant," said Zaidee quickly. "I think that would be impossible, un less we were very poor indeed. What else can people do ?"

"If you choose, I will read with you. Zaidee, and do all I can to help you," said Angelina graciously.

But Zaidee, who knew she could read a volume while her friend got through a chapter, demurred to this.

"For it is not reading. Percy and boys read; that is all the education they are fit for," said Zaidee with a thoughtful look. "But girls can learn a great many other things. Yes, and girls are of use when boys can't be. I am sure I do not know what I could do; but something or other I must try." So saying, Zaidee called to the willing Sermonieus, and set off with many med

"I am sure, Zaidee, I can't in the least tell what you mean," said the Curate's wife, becoming half frightened and greatly perplexed. "Iitations on her way home. have known poor ladies who did sewing-plain sewing-but that was very hard. Most ladies CHAPTER XIV-FURTHER CONSULTATIONS. who are obliged to work, go out for governesses, or keep schools, or something like that."

"Sophy, have you ever thought any more of what aunt Vivian said?-that story about the

Zaidee sighed. "I am fourteen, but I could not do anything," said poor Zaidee, half to her-will?" self; and Zaidee's puzzled and disconsolate perplexity was at once amusing and sad.

"About the will? No; why should I?" said Sophy, looking up with astonishment; it was nothing to us, and it is so long ago."

"I had a friend at school. Her name was Charlotte Disbrowe," said Mrs. Green. "She "But I think it might be a great deal to us," had a great many little brothers and sisters, and, said Zaidee, solemnly, "if. after all, something poor girl, she was to be governess to them all should turn up, leaving all the Grange away from when she got home. They were very genteel Philip; and if grandfather Vivian was such a people, but I am afraid they were poor, and Char-man, no one knows what he might do. My aunt lotte had to learn everything for the sake of the said so; I know I have been thinking of it all rest. Such quantities of work she did, poor girl, | day.” and was so glad when one of the young ladies "Did you think of being the heiress, Zay, inwould read to her. I did it often; but since I stead of Philip?" said Sophy quickly. have been married," said the Curate's wife, draw- "No, indeed. I thought if some stranger ing herself up a little, I heard she was to be mar-turned out to be the heir, what should we all do? ried too; and just the other day I got a letter- All of you are good for something, Sophy," said she knew Mr. Green was a clergyman-begging me to find some one who would do for a nursery governess. Any good girl, Charlotte says, that could read and write well, would do, and her mamma would be very kind to her, though she could only give her a very little salary. But you may faney Zaidee—a governess out of Briarford -where could such a thing be found? Though, of course, they think I am sure to know, being a clergyman's wife."

Entirely passing over this little bit of dignity, Zaidee gravely shook her head, as she applied to the matter in hand. “I don't think there's any one like that in Briarford," said Zaidee. “Dr. Ellis's sister was a governess; but she taught all sorts of things, and was quite a great lady. No, indeed I don't know any one. Only to read and write? Most people can read and write. But I am very much afraid I can't even write well."

"You ought to have a governess yourself, Zai

Zaidee disconsolately; "but for me, if anything should happen, I would be of no use at all. Ï could wait upon you, that is true; but, Sophy, do you know, though I am fourteen, there is nothing that I can do?"

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Why, you are only a child; what should you do?" said Sophy. "I wonder what put this into your head at all."

"Mrs. Wyburgh. She meant nothing; but she began to ask me about working, and if I could do the things that you, and Margaret, and Elizabeth could do. I could not, of course, and I was so ashamed."

"If that is all, you can learn; we will all teach you; better than reading forever, I think," said the sensible Sophy.

Well, but then, that led me on to think of other things," continued Zaidee, laying down, meanwhile, upon her knee another attempted chef d'œuvre; and Sophy, just suppose―suppose

the orthodox fashion in due and necessary marriage, had already danced through Zaidee's thoughts; but Zaidee's girlish imagination was free as the wind, and she had not even begun to "Upon my word, unless you want to make speculate on her own individual fate. Gravely people uncomfortable, I don't see the good of she bent over the handful of red embers in the asking," said Sophy, with a little irritation.-little fire-place, gravely lifted her eyes to the con"Suppose there should be a great civil war again, fused tumult of clouds sweeping quick across the and somebody came to besiege the Grange, I can-pale autumn sky. Much like these same vapors not tell what we should do, for my part; and the one is quite as likely as the other, if one wished to think of disagreeable things."

"I did not think of anything half so bad," said Zaidee in a melancholy tone; "all that I thought of. was, of what we must do if we were poor, and Still the clouds swept darkly in misty masses of leaving home. Would it break your heart, So-over that pale black sky, at once luminous and phy, to leave the Grange?"

I don't think Elizabeth is breaking her heart,” | bridegroom carrying his bride away. said the younger sister, with again a little out-strangely enough Zaidee's fancy leapt away to break of laughter, “ though she will go away Mrs. Green's school friend, Charlotte Disbrowe, so soon; and I do n't think-perhaps—I should intended for family governess, and suddenly break my heart myself; but this is all so foolish: snatched by her marriage from this desirable you must make your romances by yourself, Zai- fate; and making a rapid detour, Zaidee once dee, and I will go and ask mamma what color this more returned to herself. should be.' It was a comfort to think that, "if anything did So Zaidee was left in darkling solitude by the happen," Zaidee herself, the poor little incapable, little fire, only Sermo and her own thoughts keep-could wait upon them all: "and Zaidee, famous ing her company. Many a romance, ending after for quick conclusions, already saw herself in a